The Executive Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, Hon. Jaro Egbo, has announced a total ban on the activities of scrap metal scavengers, commonly referred to as “Iron Condemned,” effective January 1, 2025. The ban, which was revealed in a statement by the council boss’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Efe Ekete, is in response to increasing reports of theft and vandalism linked to scavengers operating in the area.
Hon. Egbo described the scavengers’ operations as having degenerated into acts of robbery, with their activities causing significant harm to both private properties and public infrastructure. According to him, the council can no longer tolerate the damages caused by these individuals, who have become a menace to society under the guise of collecting disused metal objects.
“These scavengers roam neighborhoods and commercial districts, shouting ‘Iron condemned’ to attract attention,” Egbo noted. “What was once a harmless trade has turned into a widespread theft operation, targeting private and public properties, including generators, vehicle parts, roofing materials, and electrical cables.”
The council’s decision comes on the heels of numerous complaints from residents about stolen items, with many accusing the scavengers of dismantling public utilities without authorization. Egbo stated, “They have become so audacious that one begins to wonder if they possess some form of special license to commit these acts. Their brazen thefts are unacceptable.”
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To address the issue, Egbo had earlier given the group a three-month ultimatum to relocate to the designated Hausa Market site along the Odedogho Expressway, a move supported by the President General of the Ughelli Descendants Union, Chief Samuel Akpemegi. Despite this directive, the council deemed it necessary to impose a total ban to curb further criminal activities.
In response, representatives of the scavengers admitted that some members had engaged in illegal activities, tarnishing the image of their trade. They pledged to cooperate with the council’s directive while working to regulate their operations.
The ban aims to protect public infrastructure and restore order in Ughelli North, as the council strives to curb the economic losses caused by the illegal activities of scrap metal scavengers. Residents are encouraged to report any continued violations of the directive to local authorities.
